Singer-songwriter Alex*Cuba hails from Artemisa, Cuba (1 hour west of Havana) and resides in Smithers, B.C. (14 hours north of Vancouver). Musically, he lives everywhere in between. His trademark sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and rock chords subtly subvert commonly held notions of what Cuban music is. Alex is on the vanguard, crafting a cross-cultural sound that mirrors his geographical journey. Not tied to tradition, this Cuban-Canadian prefers his vintage Gibson over el sencerro (cowbell) anytime.
From his earliest years in Artemisa, he was immersed in music. Alex's first stage appearance on national TV was at the tender age of four, playing claves (a percussion instrument) in a group directed by his music instructor father. Alex went on to study guitar, tres, percussion and bass, practicing eight hours a day during his teens.
After a stint with his twin brother Adonis to record Morumba Cubana, as The Puentes Brothers, Alex departed from Cuban music norms to follow his own path. His debut CD with the Alex Cuba Band, “Humo De Tabaco”, earned him a Juno award for World Music Album in 2006, with the single “Lo Mismo Que Yo”, featuring Ron Sexsmith charting in the Top 20 at BBC Radio 2. For “Humo”, Alex took UK producer Martin Terefe to Cuba to record the album’s funk infused horns and percussion, a sound that got under Terefe’s skin. By extension, that “Alex*Cuba sound” is now evident on Terefe’s productions for Craig David, Ron Sexsmith and Jason Mraz.
After a musical and spiritual evolution, Cuba returned to the studio, this time with co-producer Joby Baker of Victoria, to record “Agua Del Pozo” which was released in Canada in February 2007 under his own Caracol Records imprint. Acclaimed for its blend of tempo, instrumentation and songwriting, the album is a clear evolution from the debut, punctuated by the introduction of Alex's electric guitar, a vintage Gibson. “Agua” earned Alex his second Juno Award for Best World Music album 2008. “Agua Del Pozo” was released in the U.S. with two unreleased tracks on September 22, 2009. Alex subsequently toured the U.S. in support of the release.
In the digital space, Alex Cuba has had four iTunes Singles of the Week (Canada, U.S., Japan, Netherlands), has charted on various iTunes charts in Canada, the U.S. and Japan, has built an impressive online community and has had major content features on Myspace, Yahoo!, AOL and other portals.
Alex recently collaborated with Nelly Furtado for her Spanish language debut album “Mi Plan” (My Plan) which was released September 2009 around the world (Universal). The creative chemistry between Alex, Nelly and James Bryan was magical and resulted in multiple co-writes including the 1 single “Manos Al Aire” (Hands in the Air) and the title track where he appears as an invited guest on vocals. A prolific songwriter, Alex is now beginning new collaborations with writers and producers on various projects.
In between tour dates and the Nelly Furtado collaborations, Alex recorded his third album at Baker Studios in Victoria, B.C. The self-titled project is being released October 27th in Canada and a Spring 2010 U.S. release. Featuring surprising new grooves, new electric guitar inflections and varying tempos and structures, the album is an important step in Alex Cuba’s ongoing musical revolution. He recently released the first single “Caballo” (Horse), a sizzling Cuban-funk-rocker, to fans as a small taste of what’s to come. Alex is gearing up for a cross Canada tour shortly after the release.
With a heart as big as his retro 'fro, Cuba takes it all in stride and focuses on what he does best: crafting songs that cut through linguistic and cultural barriers like a machete through sugarcane.
Alex. The new album sounds GREAT! Sounds like you have another award on the horizon! Looking forward to getting my autographed copy real soon! Stay safe Bro. Rico.
HEY! Sr. Cuba...Of course we were going to be there.lol we had so much fun. So glad things are going super great for you. There is more to come; I am sure! Each song has such a special touch or beat. I enjoy them all! What a pleasant night!
Por nada Alex < y espero que tu visita sea pornto , hable cuando te fuiste con el manage del lugar , el tambien encantado , el sabe ya que tu llenas el sitiop , asi que nos conoceremos pornto . un abraso .
Mercie beaucoup alex pour l'ajoute.... Estube en el concierto en Rumba Chicago esta noche , la verdad te botaste ja ja jan que musica mas rica , todo estubo especial , la gente se deieito oyendote y escucando la buena musica . te deso muchos mas exitos Paisano !
Que Bolon Ale: Por aqui de paso para dejarte un saludo y un abrazo.Suete en los nuevos projector y dejame saber cuando estas en Vic???? Abrazos ; El Ferra.
Hola Alex! I wore your t shirt for sound check at Levitt Arlington yesterday. All remember you so fondly and admire your work and talent. Can't wait to see where your music takes you and to hear what is next. Your CD is amazing, I've had more time to listen to your songs, las letras, your arrangments and everything is so rich. It was amazing to meet you and to discover your music! Bendiciones, Tania
![—¤÷('[¤*TîƒfåÑ¥*¤]')÷¤—](http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/90/s_d9c72d82c9504896c90735e9c1583d9d.jpg)
enjoyed discovering your music thru that vid on the telly recently. great page u have...kudos!
Online Now!
